Pre-eclampsia
is a multi-system disorder specific to pregnancy, characterized by the new onset of high blood pressure and often a significant amount of in the urine () or by the new onset of high blood pressure along with significant end-organ damage, with or without the proteinuria. When it arises, the condition begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In severe cases of the disease there may be red blood cell breakdown, a low blood count, impaired liver function, kidney , swelling, shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs, or visual disturbances. Pre-eclampsia increases the risk of undesirable as well as lethal outcomes for both the mother and the fetus including preterm labor. If left untreated, it may result in at which point it is known as eclampsia.
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Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·High blood pressure, in the urine
How it's found
- ·BP > 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic at two separate times
Prevention
- ·Aspirin, calcium supplementation, treatment of prior
Treatment
- ·Delivery, medications
Complications
- ·Red blood cell breakdown, low blood count, impaired liver function, kidney problems, swelling, shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs, eclampsia
Test yourself
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